Derby face fresh takeover twist
Prospective buyers of Nottingham Forest's arch-rivals Derby County have been reportedly put off by the price of Pride Park as further claims about the club's sale were made today.
According to the Daily Mail, potential purchasers of the crisis-hit Rams have said the cost of the stadium has proved a major sticking point as it takes the amount of a deal for the club to more than £50m.
Former chairman Mel Morris owns Pride Park after the club sold its stadium to a company he owned during his reign which he then leased to the Rams.
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And that means any purchaser would have to do a deal with him separate from what they would have to pay for the club itself with Morris having a loan of £20m secured against the ground.
The Mail reports that is proving a headache for would-be buyers although in the report they say sources close to Morris say it should not be considered a barrier to any sale because it is available for a knockdown price given it is valued at £80m.
Even if a deal cannot be struck for the stadium as part of any sale process, Morris would be prepared to lease it to the new owner.
City Ground tipped for 'history-making' event
Eddie Hearn will try to secure Leigh Wood's dream of fighting at Nottingham Forest's City Ground and says it would be "history in the making".
Featherweight Wood is eyeing a major summer showdown at the Reds' stadium after a stunning performance to knockout Michael Conlan earlier this month in the 12th round. Wood, the regular WBA champion, has numerous options to face as his next opponent after his last performance in a fight of the year contender that stunned the world of boxing.
A showdown against Josh Warrington for the IBF title is one possibility although the Leeds United fan does want to fight in America after beating Kiko Martinez. Wood would also have the chance to fight across the Atlantic particularly if the WBA orders super champion Leo Santa Cruz to face him. But Matchroom promoter Hearn says Wood's dream is to fight at the home of Forest, the club he supports.
"He's (Wood) going to have the option of fighting in America, but he wants to box at the City Ground," Hearn told IFL TV. "That's the dream for him and that's what we will try to make happen in the summer.
"Everything sells out the City Ground at the moment. We will look at the numbers, sit down with Leigh and see what he wants to do."
Johnson praise
Portsmouth and Wales midfielder Joe Morrell says he has been impressed by Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson and the "PlayStation generation" who have adapted well to the demands of international football.
Wales played a fundraiser friendly match to help Ukraine, facing Czech Republic in Cardiff on Tuesday evening. Robert Page opted to hand several youngsters an opportunity after booking a World Cup play-off final spot with a 2-1 win over Austria last week.
Nottingham Forest's academy graduate Brennan Johnson was named in the starting team amongst the likes of Rabbi Matondo (21) and Rubin Colwill (19). And the positive team performance helped the Welsh side extended their unbeaten home run to 18 games - a record that stretches back to November 2018.
"This generation of players are just so laid back, then they come on the pitch and turn it on," said Morrell after the game. "[The] lads are probably playing PlayStation for 10 hours, messing about playing pool, snooker, darts or whatever and play like that.
"They are so relaxed and laid back and manage to switch it on when they’re on the pitch. It’s great to watch and be a part of."
Johnson and Spence recognition
The annual FourFourTwo list of the top 50 players outside the Premier League for the current campaign has been published.
Out of the 50 names, 32 of those are voted for by supporters. But it will come as no surprise for Nottingham Forest fans to see academy graduate Brennan Johnson (4th) and loanee Djed Spence (12th) included in the list.
To decide the top 50 from outside the Premier League, the publication asks for supporters to choose the best performers in their team's division but not at their own club. They also have to hand out points according to the rank they gave them.
Championship leaders Fulham have four players in the list. Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has scored 35 goals in as many league appearances, ranks in first place, while Harry Wilson and Fabio Carvalho are in the top five.
Queens Park Rangers also have one more player than the Reds. Chris Willock in 7th, Robbie Dickie in 10th and Ilias Chair outside of the top 10, in 11th place.
